Partitioning apparatus for vending machine helix discharge units

ABSTRACT

A vending machine with a plurality of item discharge units, each unit having a tray and a helix member rotatably mounted therein which is rotatable a predetermined amount by a drive device, each unit further having a partition mounted completely within the helix member and extending the length of the helix member and tray. The partition includes a central divider plate and divider spacer members extending outwardly from both sides of the divider plate.

United States Patent H [111 3,908,858

Wirstlin et al. 1 Sept. 30, 1975 54] PARTITIONING APPARATUS FOR 3,828,971 8/1974 0mm 221/75 VENDING MACHINE HELIX DISCHARGE UNITs Prinmry E.\'uminerAllen N. Knowles [75] Inventors: Arthur N. Wirstlin, Altoona; David Attorner, Agent, or FirmHenderson & Strom N. Forlenza, Des Moines, both of Iowa [73] Assignee: Fawn Engineering Corporation, Des [57] ABSTRACT l a Monks Owl A vending machine with a plurality of Item discharge [22] Filed: May 8, 1974 units, each unit having a tray and a helix member r0- tatably mounted therein which is rotatable a predeterl 1] App! NO 6818 mined amount by a drive device, each unit further having a partition mounted completely within the [52] US. Cl 221/75; 221/129 helix member and extending the length of the helix [51] Int. Cl. G07F 11/00 member and tray. The partition includes a central di- [58] Field of Search 221/75, 123, 129; 198/213 vider plate and divider spacer members extending outwardly from both sides of the divider plate.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 3.335.907 8/1967 Holstein ct al 221/75 X Patent Sept. 33:15 75 Sheet 1 of 2 US. Patent Sept. 30,1975 Sheet 2 of2 3,908,858

PARTITIONING APPARATUS FOR VENDING MACHINE HELIX DISCHARGE UNITS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to vending machines and more particularly to those which utilize a helical coil to advance items from storage within the machine to a chute for discharge to the consumer. US. Pat. No.

3,178,055; 3,335,907; and 3,601,281 indicate various vending machines of this type. The machines usually have a discharge chute mounted on the front or at the side and a plurality of individual item discharge units. The units each have a tray with a helical coil mounted therein. Items are advanced by rotation of the coil.

Economy of manufacture dictates that the individual units, and hence the trays, be of identical construction. The consumer, however, demands that a wide range of products be made available to him through vending machines. The size and shape of the packaging for these various products varies from the typical sack for potato chips and the like, to packages of various sizes for cigarettes, and to still other packages for thin or little cigars, mints, life-savers, gum and other products.

The problem for a manufacturer, therefore, is to provide a standard-sized tray, based quite often on a size necessary for vending cigarette packages, which is readily convertible to handling the smaller mint, gum, or candy bar packages. An additional problem where helical coil vending machines are concerned is the prevention of the slippage of the item out of storage between consecutive convolutions of the helix and through the space enclosed by the helix. The slippage of one item can have a domino-like effect upon the other items, causing enough dislocation of items to seriously impair the performance of the machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention a divider apparatus is provided for helical coil vending machines which is suitable for adapting the machine to a plurality of different types of items by properly partitioning the space within the helix.

The invention includes a central divider plate which is attached to the tray of the item discharge unit and which extends the length of the tray and through the space within the helix. The central divider plate defines a vertical plane and divides the space within the helix into two parts. Divider spacer members affixed on both sides of the central divider plate extend outwardly therefrom and further partition and reduce the amount of space available within the helix for item holding.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improvement for helical coil vending machines.

It is another object of this invention to provide for the adaptation of item discharge units of helical coil vending machines to a wide variety of item shapes and sizes while at the same time permitting the manufacture and usage of a standard sized item discharge unit.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a device which will prevent items from slipping out of proper positioning in the helix of a vending machine thereby ensuring proper functioning of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which will facilitate the loading of items into the helix of the vending machine.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device simplified in structure and method of manufacture which will render vending machines more economical and effective.

These objects and other features and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent upon reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The appending drawings illustrate the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view depicting the use of the invention in a horizontally disposed series of item discharging units;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, foreshortened longitudinal section taken along line 22 of FIG. 1, with some parts partially cut away for greater clarity, of a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4'is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end elevational view taken along line 66 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, foreshortened longitudinal section taken along line 77 of FIG. 1, and showing another embodiment of the invention, some parts being partially cut away;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7', and

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, a portion of a helical coil vending machine is indicated generally at 11 in FIG. 1. The machine 11 includes a rear cabinet wall 12 and a side cabinet wall 13. An item discharge chute 14 is affixed to the front of the machine 11. Individual item discharge units 15 and 16 are contained withinthe vending machine 11 in a horizontally disposed and side-by-side relationship, the front ends of the units I5, 16 being proximate the discharge chute 14. Each item discharge unit 15, 16 includes a tray 17, a helix member 18 disposed within the tray 17, and a drive device 19 affixed to the tray 17 and coupled to the helix 18. Items 20, which are shorter and narrower than a standard cigarette package are disposed or loaded in unit 15; and items, 21, which are as tall as a standard cigarette package but narrower, are stored in the unit 16.

The tray 17 of each unit 15, 16 includes a pair of parallel side walls 23, FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, which are shared with adjacent trays 17 as shown in FIG. 1. An end wall 24 is affixed perpendicular to the side walls 23 at one end. The side walls 23 and end wall 24 are affixed to a base 26 which in turn is supported by a front support member 27. The tray 17 is supported in the rear by the drive device 19.

The helix member 18, FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, of each unit l5, 16 is of a unitary structure and includes a drive rod 29 located centrally within the space enclosed by the helix 18. The drive rod 29 at one end passes through the end wall 24 of the tray 17 and couples with the drive device 19. At the opposite end, the drive rod 29 forms into a leading radial element31 normal to the drive rod 29. The radial element 31 in turn forms into a series of convolutions 32 which enclose the drive rod 29. The diameter of a convolution 32 is slightly less than the height of a standard size cigarette package. The last convolution 32 terminates in a rear element 33 near the end Wall 24.

The drive device 19 of each unit 15, 16 is affixed to the end wall 24 of the tray 17. The drive device 19 is actuated by a standard coin-mechanism with appropriate electronic circuitry (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the drive device 19 includes an electric motor 34 which operates a gear reduction unit 36. The unit 36 is coupled to the drive rod 29 of the helix 18. A housing 37 covers part of the unit 36 and the switch mechanism 38.

Referring to FIG. 6, the switch mechanism 38 is interposed in the electric circuit for the motor 34 and includes a switch 39 affixed to the end wall 24 by bolts at 41. A plunger 42 projects outwardly from one side of the switch 39, as does a curved leaf contact 43. The contact 43 projects outwardly from the side of the switch 39 and a slightly greater distance than does the plunger 42 before curving over the plunger 42 and into a parallel relation with respect to the side of the switch. The leaf 43 is normally out of contact With the plunger 42.

The switch mechanism 38 also includes a collar 44 having diametrically opposed sockets with switch actuators 46 removably secured therein. The collar 44 is affixed to the helix 18, the drive rod 29 being centrally received by the collar 44.

Insertion of the appropriate coinage into the coinmechanism by the customer results in the actuation of the electric motor 34. The gear reduction unit 36 is operated by the motor 34, and the helix 18 is rotated due to rotation of the drive rod 29 by the unit 36. The collar 44 rotates with the drive rod 29 thereby bringing a switch actuator 46 into contact with curved leaf contact 43. The leaf 43 depresses the plunger 42 which in turn causes the circuit for the motor 34 to be broken and the motor 34 to be shut off. The use of the two switch actuators 46 as indicated in FIG. 6 allows for a 180 rotation of the helix 18 upon each actuation of the drive device 19. Each 180 rotation of the helix 18 advances an item 19 or 21 forward and into the discharge chute 14.

A central divider plate 51 is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 9. The plate 51 is elongated and substantially rectangular in shape. The long edges 52 have been rounded. and a rear flange or bracket 53 is extended normal to the end of the plate 51. The bracket 53 is pressed against the end wall 24, the plate 51 being affixed by bolts or the like at 50 (FIGS. 2 and 7) to the tray 17 and being oriented so as to define a vertical plane parallel to and intermediate side walls 23 (FIG. 3). Front vertical slots 54, aligned and oriented one above the other. and a rear vertical slot 55, somewhat larger than the front slots 54, are provided in the plate 51. Front and rear horizontal slots 56 are also provided in the plate 51. A pair of brackets 57 (FIGS. 2 and 7) are attached to the plate 51 and rotatably receive the drive rod 29 of the helix 18.

The improvement to the above described helical coil vending machine 11 is a removable partitioning apparatus which is affixed to the central divider plate 51 and which partitions the spaces between the plate 51 and the walls 23 of the tray 17. Different forms of divider spacer members are affixed to the central divider plate 51. FIGS. 2, 3. 4 and 5 illustrate the particular embodiment of the invention which adapts the helical coil vending machine 11 to packages 20 both narrower and shorter than standard cigarette packages.

FIGS. 4 and 5 best illustrate this embodiment. Right and left divider spacer members 59, 61 are affixed tc opposite sides of the central plate 51. Each member 59, 61 has an L-shaped upper extension portion 62 having front and rear tabs 63 at one end, and a depending vertical portion 65 which terminates in an elevated shell 66 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4). The extension portion 62 rests against the plate 51, the tabs 63 fitting through the front and rear horizontal slots 56 and being bent over to secure the member 59 or 61. The depending vertical portion 65 is parallel to the plate 51, and the shelf 66 is perpendicular to the plate 51, when the member 59 or 61 is affixed to the plate 51.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the particular embodiment of the invention which adapts the helical coil vending machine 11 to packages 21 are a tall but narrower than a standard cigarette package. Right and left divider spacer members 68, 69 are affixed to opposite sides of the central plate 51. Both members 68, 69 include a main wall vertical portion 71 and upper and lower beveled extension portions 72 appending and depending therefrom.

The right member 68, as viewed in FIG. 9, includes affixed normal to the front edge thereof a front lower extension 73. The extension 73 includes a tab 74. A rear upper extension 75 is affixed normal to the rear edge of the member 68. When the member 68 is affixed to the plate 51 the beveled extension portions 72 fit against the plate 51 near the edges 52. The extension 75 fits into the rear slot 55, and the tab 74 fits into the lower of the front slots 54. The tab 74 is then bent over to secure the spacer 68 against the plate 51. Similarly, the left member 69 includes a front upper extension 76 with a tab 77 and a rear lower extension 78. The tab 77 fits into the upper front slot 54 and is folded over. and the extension 78 fits into the rear slot 55.

When the vending machine 11 is in use, the items 19, Zl are loaded into the helix 18 between consecutive convolutions 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. By rotation of the helix 18 for predetermined amounts, controlled as described above by the spacing of the actuators 46 about the periphery of the collar 44 of the switch mechanism 38, the individual items are carried toward and dropped into the discharge chute 14. When used without any of the divider spacers 59, 61 or divider spacers 68, 69, the central divider member 51 allows two standard cigarette packages to be carried side-by-side by the helix 18. The central divider member 51 with either divider spacer members 59, 61 or 68, 69 apportions the space enclosed within the helix 18 so that Odd-sided items 20, 21 may be closely supported and conveyed by the helix 18.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate spacers 59, 61 adapting the machine 11 to items 20 being both narrower and shorter than a standard cigarette package and therefore shorter than the diameter of a convolution 32. The items 20 fit snugly in the reduced space between side wall 23 and depending side 65. The items 20 rest upon elevated shelf 66 sufficiently above the base 26 so that at their upper end they extend between consecutive convolutions 32 (FIG. 2). The convolutions 32, shelf 66, depending vertical portion 65 and side wall 23 firmly support the items 20, preventing them from tipping and sliding through the space within the helix 18. An individual item cannot slide and strike another item 20 and thereby start a domino-like chain reaction which results in dislocation of items 20 and dysfunction of the machine 11.

. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate spacers 68, 69 adapting the machine 11 to items 21 which are narrower than a standard cigarette package. The items 21 rest against the base 26 and protrude between consecutive convolutions 32 (FIG. 7). The items 21 are snugly held by the side wall 23 and main wall portion 71 and are thereby prevented from tipping and sliding through the space enclosed by the helix 18. The beveled portions 72 facilitate loading of items 21 into the helix 18. The slant of the portions 72 directs the items 21 into their appropriate storage positions.

Thus it can be seen that a device for partitioning the space enclosed by the helix 18 so that items 20, 21 will not slip out of their proper position and slide through the enclosed space which has been provided. Furthermore, the device facilitates the loading of items 20, 21 into the machine 11 and is simple in structure. It can be seen that the objects of this invention have been met by this device.

Although a preferred embodiment and an alternate embodiment have been disclosed herein, it is to be remembered that various modifications and alternate constructions can be made thereto without departing from the full scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a vending machine having a cabinet and within one portion of which is an item discharge chute for dispensing items to be withdrawn from the machine, a plurality of item discharge units mounted in a side-by-side, horizontally disposed arrangement, each item discharge unit having a tray and a motor-driven helix member disposed therein, each item discharge unit further having a vertically disposed central divider plate extending within and along the length of the helix member, individual standard-sized items being held in pairs between consecutive convolutions of the helix member on opposite sides of the central divider plate and moved toward the discharge chute by rotation of the helix member, wherein the improvement comprises:

means for partitioning the spaces between the central divider plate and the walls of the tray so that the horizontal measure of the space is reduced whereby items of less than standard size in horizontal dimension are snugly accommodated; wherein said means for partitioning includes a pair of divider spacer members affixed to opposite sides of the central divider plate, each of said divider spacer members having an upper extension portion and a vertical portion, said upper extension portion affixed at an inner end near the top of the central divider plate and the opposite outer end having the vertical portion affixed thereto and depending therefrom, whereby said vertical portion is held in spaced relation between the wall of the tray and the central divider plate.

2. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said divider spacer members includes a lower extension portion affixed between the bottom of the central divider plate and said vertical portion, said divider spacer members remaining within the circumference of the helix member.

3. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said upper extension portion of each divider spacer member slopes downwardly and outwardly from the central divider plate to said vertical portion whereby insertion of items into the space between said vertical portion and the wall of the tray is facilitated.

4. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said divider spacer members includes further a shelf portion, said shelf portion being affixed to said vertical portion at a free lower end thereof, said shelf portion extended away from the central divider plate and toward the wall of the tray, said shelf portion terminating at a point above the floor of the tray and within the circumference of the helix, whereby items having a vertical dimension less than the diameter of the helix are snugly held.

5. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said divider spacer members are detachable from the central driver plate. 

1. In a vending machine having a cabinet and witHin one portion of which is an item discharge chute for dispensing items to be withdrawn from the machine, a plurality of item discharge units mounted in a side-by-side, horizontally disposed arrangement, each item discharge unit having a tray and a motor-driven helix member disposed therein, each item discharge unit further having a vertically disposed central divider plate extending within and along the length of the helix member, individual standard-sized items being held in pairs between consecutive convolutions of the helix member on opposite sides of the central divider plate and moved toward the discharge chute by rotation of the helix member, wherein the improvement comprises: means for partitioning the spaces between the central divider plate and the walls of the tray so that the horizontal measure of the space is reduced whereby items of less than standard size in horizontal dimension are snugly accommodated; wherein said means for partitioning includes a pair of divider spacer members affixed to opposite sides of the central divider plate, each of said divider spacer members having an upper extension portion and a vertical portion, said upper extension portion affixed at an inner end near the top of the central divider plate and the opposite outer end having the vertical portion affixed thereto and depending therefrom, whereby said vertical portion is held in spaced relation between the wall of the tray and the central divider plate.
 2. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said divider spacer members includes a lower extension portion affixed between the bottom of the central divider plate and said vertical portion, said divider spacer members remaining within the circumference of the helix member.
 3. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said upper extension portion of each divider spacer member slopes downwardly and outwardly from the central divider plate to said vertical portion whereby insertion of items into the space between said vertical portion and the wall of the tray is facilitated.
 4. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said divider spacer members includes further a shelf portion, said shelf portion being affixed to said vertical portion at a free lower end thereof, said shelf portion extended away from the central divider plate and toward the wall of the tray, said shelf portion terminating at a point above the floor of the tray and within the circumference of the helix, whereby items having a vertical dimension less than the diameter of the helix are snugly held.
 5. An improvement to a vending machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said divider spacer members are detachable from the central driver plate. 